WHAT IS THE 38TH PARALLEL?
A boundary was constructed in the middle of Korea known as the 38th parallel; this was also known as Korea’s first intra-national boundary. This bordered the North and South regions of Korea. The Korean peninsula was divided into two sections after World War II and was called the 38th parallel because it was latitude 38° N in a circle that approximately cut Korea in half. They used this as a “guide line” to compose the border.
An armistice was signed on July 27, 1953 stating that both sides would not fight. Later the line of demarcation was created (which was actually around the 39th parallel) and is now acknowledged as the DMZ (Demilitarized zone) and is a 2.5 mile buffer zone between the two countries. When the official fence was created, it was a tragic day for most of the Korean civilians for they were separated from their family members forever. They were not aware of when the fence was going to be put up and where it would be exactly placed. This zone continues to spread across the Korean peninsula and marked with barbwire fences. Both countries heavily patrol this fence and was off limits for Korean civilians. This area was basically a forbidden area for the townspeople.
A boundary was constructed in the middle of Korea known as the 38th parallel; this was also known as Korea’s first intra-national boundary. This bordered the North and South regions of Korea. The Korean peninsula was divided into two sections after World War II and was called the 38th parallel because it was latitude 38° N in a circle that approximately cut Korea in half. They used this as a “guide line” to compose the border.
An armistice was signed on July 27, 1953 stating that both sides would not fight. Later the line of demarcation was created (which was actually around the 39th parallel) and is now acknowledged as the DMZ (Demilitarized zone) and is a 2.5 mile buffer zone between the two countries. When the official fence was created, it was a tragic day for most of the Korean civilians for they were separated from their family members forever. They were not aware of when the fence was going to be put up and where it would be exactly placed. This zone continues to spread across the Korean peninsula and marked with barbwire fences. Both countries heavily patrol this fence and was off limits for Korean civilians. This area was basically a forbidden area for the townspeople.